bemoreeco

Organic food can be expensive, but you can eat organically without spending a fortune. Lily Barclay at BBCGreen has done some research to find out more.

In recent months, rising food prices and an economic slowdown have led many people to question the cost of their shopping basket. With organic products typically more expensive than their non-organic counterparts, could these be among the first to go? 

There is still a huge interest in eating fresh, natural produce and you don’t always have to spend big either. If price is your main motivation, there are plenty of opportunities for budget organic shopping. There are 4 areas you shouls focus on. They are;

Vegetable Boxes - Ordering an organic vegetable box can be convenient and cost effective. It means you’ll get fresh, home-grown products delivered directly to your doorstep.  It is worth shopping around to find an option that suits your household’s needs and your wallet. Organic vegetable boxes can vary from around £7 to £25 depending on size and variety. One of the main financial benefits is that, by eating locally, you cut out the rising fuel costs that have made imported products more expensive.  UK organic box scheme Riverford, for example, recently claimed that its boxes are 22 per cent cheaper than organic fruit and vegetables bought online from Tesco, Waitrose, and Sainsbury’s.

Supermarket Sweep - Not all organic varieties cost the same, and shopping around can definitely pay off. Nearly all mainstream supermarkets now carry an in-house organic brand, which can be cheaper than specialist labels. We took a virtual tour of Tesco to make a price comparison of our own.

Savvy Shopping - Avoiding pre-packaged supermarket food, such as salads and ready meals, will save you money, which you can invest in good quality raw produce. Many of us are guilty of buying two for one ready-made food, half of which quietly perishes at the back of the fridge. Taking the time to choose and prepare loose fruit and vegetables will save you cash that you can spend on an organic alternative.

Meaty matters - When it comes to money and organic meat, thinking quality rather than quantity is often the key. The recommended adult portion size for meat is 3oz (about the size of a deck of cards). Rounding up your meal with cheap grains, such as couscous, rice or quinoa is a good way to save a few pounds. Premium cuts, such as chicken breasts, don’t necessarily give the best taste. Organic chicken legs and thighs can often be a cheaper and tastier alternative. Replacing meat altogether with other sources of protein such as organic beans is another great money saver.

Waste not, want not - Simply thinking ahead by planning your meals and shopping list in advance could make a huge difference to your weekly shopping budget. Every year, UK households waste 6.7 million tonnes of food – that’s £420 a year for the average UK household. Being inventive with leftovers by turning dishes such as pasta and rice into salads, and freezing stews, curries and lasagnes gets the most out of your organic produce. Juicers and blenders are also a good investment buy for turning overripe fruit into smoothies and juices.

For full BBCGreen article <click here>